Force feedback to improve gameplay

ABSTRACT

Force feedback is applied to a computer simulation controller, such as to a joystick element or analog trigger of the controller, depending on the context of the simulation.

FIELD

The application relates to force feedback to improve simulation play,such as play of computer games.

BACKGROUND

Video simulation such as video gaming is growing in popularity. Asunderstood herein, simulations are played with game controllers.

SUMMARY

As further understood herein, use of simulation controllers can beenhanced to assist the player using force feedback.

Accordingly, a device includes at least one computer memory that is nota transitory signal and that in turn includes instructions executable byat least one processor to receive a first signal from a computersimulation, and responsive to the first signal, apply a first force toat least a first manipulable mechanism on a computer simulationcontroller configured to control the computer simulation. Theinstructions are configured to receive a second signal from the computersimulation, and responsive to the second signal, apply a second force tothe first manipulable mechanism on the computer simulation controller.

In non-limiting examples, the first manipulable mechanism may include ajoystick or an analog trigger or a button including combinationsthereof.

In some examples, the first signal can be associated with a simulateddeviation from a travel path in the computer simulation, and the firstforce is greater than the second force. In examples, the first signal isassociated with a simulated presence over a first target type and thesecond signal is associated with a simulated presence over a secondtarget type, and the first force is greater than the second force.

In another aspect, a method includes applying, using a force feedbackmechanism, a first force to at least a portion of a computer simulationcontroller based at least in part on a determination that a computersimulation comprises a first context. The method also includes applying,using the force feedback mechanism, a second force to at least theportion of a computer simulation controller based at least in part on adetermination that the computer simulation comprises a second context.

In another aspect, a system includes at least one computer simulationcontroller, at least one computer simulation console configured topresent at least one computer simulation responsive to signals from thecomputer simulation controller, and at least one force feedbackmechanism. The force feedback mechanism is configured to provide a firstforce on at least a portion of the computer simulation controllerresponsive to a first context of the computer simulation and a secondforce on the portion of the computer simulation controller responsive toa second context of the computer simulation.

The details of the present application, both as to its structure andoperation, can best be understood in reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and inwhich:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example system including an example inaccordance with present principles;

FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of an example non-limiting simulationcontroller with a joystick and electromagnets to provide force feedbackto the joystick;

FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of an example non-limiting simulationcontroller with a joystick and movable permanent magnets to provideforce feedback to the joystick;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an example moving mechanism for amagnet in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an example non-limiting simulationcontroller with an analog trigger and a hydraulic damper providing forcefeedback to the analog trigger;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of example logic consistent with presentprinciples;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are screen shots of simulation play contexts in which oneof the contexts gives rise to force feedback and the other context doesnot;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are screen shots of additional simulation play contextsin which one of the contexts gives rise to force feedback and the othercontext does not;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an example non-limiting simulationcontroller with a joystick and motor to provide force feedback to thejoystick; and

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram related to FIG. 11 illustrating amotor-implemented force feedback mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure relates generally to computer ecosystems includingaspects of consumer electronics (CE) device networks such as but notlimited to computer simulation networks such as computer game networks.A system herein may include server and client components, connected overa network such that data may be exchanged between the client and servercomponents. The client components may include one or more computingdevices including game consoles such as Sony PlayStation® or a gameconsole made by Microsoft or Nintendo or other manufacturer virtualreality (VR) headsets, augmented reality (AR) headsets, portabletelevisions (e.g. smart TVs, Internet-enabled TVs), portable computerssuch as laptops and tablet computers, and other mobile devices includingsmart phones and additional examples discussed below. These clientdevices may operate with a variety of operating environments. Forexample, some of the client computers may employ, as examples, Linuxoperating systems, operating systems from Microsoft, or a Unix operatingsystem, or operating systems produced by Apple Computer or Google. Theseoperating environments may be used to execute one or more browsingprograms, such as a browser made by Microsoft or Google or Mozilla orother browser program that can access websites hosted by the Internetservers discussed below. Also, an operating environment according topresent principles may be used to execute one or more computer gameprograms.

Servers and/or gateways may include one or more processors executinginstructions that configure the servers to receive and transmit dataover a network such as the Internet. Or, a client and server can beconnected over a local intranet or a virtual private network. A serveror controller may be instantiated by a game console such as a SonyPlayStation®, a personal computer, etc.

Information may be exchanged over a network between the clients andservers. To this end and for security, servers and/or clients caninclude firewalls, load balancers, temporary storages, and proxies, andother network infrastructure for reliability and security. One or moreservers may form an apparatus that implement methods of providing asecure community such as an online social website to network members.

As used herein, instructions refer to computer-implemented steps forprocessing information in the system. Instructions can be implemented insoftware, firmware or hardware and include any type of programmed stepundertaken by components of the system.

A processor may be any conventional general-purpose single- ormulti-chip processor that can execute logic by means of various linessuch as address lines, data lines, and control lines and registers andshift registers.

Software modules described by way of the flow charts and user interfacesherein can include various sub-routines, procedures, etc. Withoutlimiting the disclosure, logic stated to be executed by a particularmodule can be redistributed to other software modules and/or combinedtogether in a single module and/or made available in a shareablelibrary.

Present principles described herein can be implemented as hardware,software, firmware, or combinations thereof; hence, illustrativecomponents, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are set forth in termsof their functionality.

The functions and methods described below, when implemented in software,can be written in an appropriate language such as but not limited toJava, C# or C++, and can be stored on or transmitted through acomputer-readable storage medium such as a random access memory (RAM),read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EEPROM), compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other opticaldisk storage such as digital versatile disc (DVD), magnetic disk storageor other magnetic storage devices including removable thumb drives, etc.A connection may establish a computer-readable medium. Such connectionscan include, as examples, hard-wired cables including fiber optics andcoaxial wires and digital subscriber line (DSL) and twisted pair wires.Such connections may include wireless communication connectionsincluding infrared and radio.

Components included in one embodiment can be used in other embodimentsin any appropriate combination. For example, any of the variouscomponents described herein and/or depicted in the Figures may becombined, interchanged or excluded from other embodiments.

“A system having at least one of A, B, and C” (likewise “a system havingat least one of A, B, or C” and “a system having at least one of A, B,C”) includes systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and Btogether, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and Ctogether, etc.

Now specifically referring to FIG. 1, an example system 10 is shown,which may include one or more of the example devices mentioned above anddescribed further below in accordance with present principles. The firstof the example devices included in the system 10 is a consumerelectronics (CE) device such as an audio video device (AVD) 12 such asbut not limited to an Internet-enabled TV with a TV tuner (equivalently,set top box controlling a TV). However, the AVD 12 alternatively may bean appliance or household item, e.g. computerized Internet enabledrefrigerator, washer, or dryer. The AVD 12 alternatively may also be acomputerized Internet enabled (“smart”) telephone, a tablet computer, anotebook computer, a wearable computerized device such as e.g.computerized Internet-enabled watch, a computerized Internet-enabledbracelet, other computerized Internet-enabled devices, a computerizedInternet-enabled music player, computerized Internet-enabled headphones, a computerized Internet-enabled implantable device such as animplantable skin device, etc. Regardless, it is to be understood thatthe AVD 12 is configured to undertake present principles (e.g.communicate with other CE devices to undertake present principles,execute the logic described herein, and perform any other functionsand/or operations described herein).

Accordingly, to undertake such principles the AVD 12 can be establishedby some or all of the components shown in FIG. 1. For example, the AVD12 can include one or more displays 14 that may be implemented by a highdefinition or ultra-high definition “4K” or higher flat screen and thatmay be touch-enabled for receiving user input signals via touches on thedisplay. The AVD 12 may include one or more speakers 16 for outputtingaudio in accordance with present principles, and at least one additionalinput device 18 such as e.g. an audio receiver/microphone for e.g.entering audible commands to the AVD 12 to control the AVD 12. Theexample AVD 12 may also include one or more network interfaces 20 forcommunication over at least one network 22 such as the Internet, an WAN,an LAN, etc. under control of one or more processors 24. A graphicsprocessor 24A may also be included. Thus, the interface 20 may be,without limitation, a Wi-Fi transceiver, which is an example of awireless computer network interface, such as but not limited to a meshnetwork transceiver. It is to be understood that the processor 24controls the AVD 12 to undertake present principles, including the otherelements of the AVD 12 described herein such as e.g. controlling thedisplay 14 to present images thereon and receiving input therefrom.Furthermore, note the network interface 20 may be, e.g., a wired orwireless modem or router, or other appropriate interface such as, e.g.,a wireless telephony transceiver, or Wi-Fi transceiver as mentionedabove, etc.

In addition to the foregoing, the AVD 12 may also include one or moreinput ports 26 such as, e.g., a high definition multimedia interface(HDMI) port or a USB port to physically connect (e.g. using a wiredconnection) to another CE device and/or a headphone port to connectheadphones to the AVD 12 for presentation of audio from the AVD 12 to auser through the headphones. For example, the input port 26 may beconnected via wire or wirelessly to a cable or satellite source 26 a ofaudio video content. Thus, the source 26 a may be, e.g., a separate orintegrated set top box, or a satellite receiver. Or, the source 26 a maybe a game console or disk player containing content such as computergame software and databases. The source 26 a when implemented as a gameconsole may include some or all of the components described below inrelation to the CE device 44.

The AVD 12 may further include one or more computer memories 28 such asdisk-based or solid-state storage that are not transitory signals, insome cases embodied in the chassis of the AVD as standalone devices oras a personal video recording device (PVR) or video disk player eitherinternal or external to the chassis of the AVD for playing back AVprograms or as removable memory media. Also in some embodiments, the AVD12 can include a position or location receiver such as but not limitedto a cellphone receiver, GPS receiver and/or altimeter 30 that isconfigured to e.g. receive geographic position information from at leastone satellite or cellphone tower and provide the information to theprocessor 24 and/or determine an altitude at which the AVD 12 isdisposed in conjunction with the processor 24. However, it is to beunderstood that another suitable position receiver other than acellphone receiver, GPS receiver and/or altimeter may be used inaccordance with present principles to e.g. determine the location of theAVD 12 in e.g. all three dimensions.

Continuing the description of the AVD 12, in some embodiments the AVD 12may include one or more cameras 32 that may be, e.g., a thermal imagingcamera, a digital camera such as a webcam, and/or a camera integratedinto the AVD 12 and controllable by the processor 24 to gatherpictures/images and/or video in accordance with present principles. Anyof the cameras described herein may employ the high spectrum cameraexample or multiple examples described further below.

Also included on the AVD 12 may be a Bluetooth transceiver 34 and otherNear Field Communication (NFC) element 36 for communication with otherdevices using Bluetooth and/or NFC technology, respectively. An exampleNFC element can be a radio frequency identification (RFID) element.Zigbee also may be used.

Further still, the AVD 12 may include one or more auxiliary sensors 37(e.g., a motion sensor such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, cyclometer,or a magnetic sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an optical sensor, aspeed and/or cadence sensor, a gesture sensor (e.g. for sensing gesturecommand), etc.) providing input to the processor 24. The AVD 12 mayinclude an over-the-air TV broadcast port 38 for receiving OTA TVbroadcasts providing input to the processor 24. In addition to theforegoing, it is noted that the AVD 12 may also include an infrared (IR)transmitter and/or IR receiver and/or IR transceiver 42 such as an IRdata association (IRDA) device. A battery (not shown) may be providedfor powering the AVD 12.

Still referring to FIG. 1, in addition to the AVD 12, the system 10 mayinclude one or more other CE device types. In one example, a first CEdevice 44 may be used to send computer game audio and video to the AVD12 via commands sent directly to the AVD 12 and/or through thebelow-described server while a second CE device 46 may include similarcomponents as the first CE device 44. In the example shown, the secondCE device 46 may be configured as a VR headset worn by a player 47 asshown, or a hand-held game controller manipulated by the player 47. Inthe example shown, only two CE devices 44, 46 are shown, it beingunderstood that fewer or greater devices may be used.

In the example shown, to illustrate present principles all three devices12, 44, 46 are assumed to be members of an entertainment network in,e.g., a home, or at least to be present in proximity to each other in alocation such as a house. However, present principles are not limited toa particular location, illustrated by dashed lines 48, unless explicitlyclaimed otherwise.

The example non-limiting first CE device 44 may be established by anyone of the above-mentioned devices, for example, a portable wirelesslaptop computer or notebook computer or game controller (also referredto as “console”), and accordingly may have one or more of the componentsdescribed below. The first CE device 44 may be a remote control (RC)for, e.g., issuing AV play and pause commands to the AVD 12, or it maybe a more sophisticated device such as a tablet computer, a gamecontroller communicating via wired or wireless link with the AVD 12, apersonal computer, a wireless telephone, etc.

Accordingly, the first CE device 44 may include one or more displays 50that may be touch-enabled for receiving user input signals via toucheson the display. The first CE device 44 may include one or more speakers52 for outputting audio in accordance with present principles, and atleast one additional input device 54 such as e.g. an audioreceiver/microphone for e.g. entering audible commands to the first CEdevice 44 to control the device 44. The example first CE device 44 mayalso include one or more network interfaces 56 for communication overthe network 22 under control of one or more CE device processors 58. Agraphics processor 58A may also be included. Thus, the interface 56 maybe, without limitation, a Wi-Fi transceiver, which is an example of awireless computer network interface, including mesh network interfaces.It is to be understood that the processor 58 controls the first CEdevice 44 to undertake present principles, including the other elementsof the first CE device 44 described herein such as e.g. controlling thedisplay 50 to present images thereon and receiving input therefrom.Furthermore, note the network interface 56 may be, e.g., a wired orwireless modem or router, or other appropriate interface such as, e.g.,a wireless telephony transceiver, or Wi-Fi transceiver as mentionedabove, etc.

In addition to the foregoing, the first CE device 44 may also includeone or more input ports 60 such as, e.g., a HDMI port or a USB port tophysically connect (e.g. using a wired connection) to another CE deviceand/or a headphone port to connect headphones to the first CE device 44for presentation of audio from the first CE device 44 to a user throughthe headphones. The first CE device 44 may further include one or moretangible computer readable storage medium 62 such as disk-based orsolid-state storage. Also in some embodiments, the first CE device 44can include a position or location receiver such as but not limited to acellphone and/or GPS receiver and/or altimeter 64 that is configured toe.g. receive geographic position information from at least one satelliteand/or cell tower, using triangulation, and provide the information tothe CE device processor 58 and/or determine an altitude at which thefirst CE device 44 is disposed in conjunction with the CE deviceprocessor 58. However, it is to be understood that another suitableposition receiver other than a cellphone and/or GPS receiver and/oraltimeter may be used in accordance with present principles to e.g.determine the location of the first CE device 44 in e.g. all threedimensions.

Continuing the description of the first CE device 44, in someembodiments the first CE device 44 may include one or more cameras 66that may be, e.g., a thermal imaging camera, a digital camera such as awebcam, and/or a camera integrated into the first CE device 44 andcontrollable by the CE device processor 58 to gather pictures/imagesand/or video in accordance with present principles. Also included on thefirst CE device 44 may be a Bluetooth transceiver 68 and other NearField Communication (NFC) element 70 for communication with otherdevices using Bluetooth and/or NFC technology, respectively. An exampleNFC element can be a radio frequency identification (RFID) element.

Further still, the first CE device 44 may include one or more auxiliarysensors 72 (e.g., a motion sensor such as an accelerometer, gyroscope,cyclometer, or a magnetic sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an opticalsensor, a speed and/or cadence sensor, a gesture sensor (e.g. forsensing gesture command), etc.) providing input to the CE deviceprocessor 58. The first CE device 44 may include still other sensorssuch as e.g. one or more climate sensors 74 (e.g. barometers, humiditysensors, wind sensors, light sensors, temperature sensors, etc.) and/orone or more biometric sensors 76 providing input to the CE deviceprocessor 58. In addition to the foregoing, it is noted that in someembodiments the first CE device 44 may also include an infrared (IR)transmitter and/or IR receiver and/or IR transceiver 78 such as an IRdata association (IRDA) device. A battery (not shown) may be providedfor powering the first CE device 44. The CE device 44 may communicatewith the AVD 12 through any of the above-described communication modesand related components.

The second CE device 46 may include some or all of the components shownfor the CE device 44. Either one or both CE devices may be powered byone or more batteries.

Now in reference to the afore-mentioned at least one server 80, itincludes at least one server processor 82, at least one tangiblecomputer readable storage medium 84 such as disk-based or solid-statestorage, and at least one network interface 86 that, under control ofthe server processor 82, allows for communication with the other devicesof FIG. 1 over the network 22, and indeed may facilitate communicationbetween servers and client devices in accordance with presentprinciples. Note that the network interface 86 may be, e.g., a wired orwireless modem or router, Wi-Fi transceiver, or other appropriateinterface such as, e.g., a wireless telephony transceiver.

Accordingly, in some embodiments the server 80 may be an Internet serveror an entire server “farm” and may include and perform “cloud” functionssuch that the devices of the system 10 may access a “cloud” environmentvia the server 80 in example embodiments for, e.g., network gamingapplications. Or, the server 80 may be implemented by one or more gameconsoles or other computers in the same room as the other devices shownin FIG. 1 or nearby.

Further to what has been alluded to above, logical blocks, modules, andcircuits described below can be implemented or performed with ageneral-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device suchas an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), discrete gate ortransistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combinationthereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A processorcan be implemented by a controller or state machine or a combination ofcomputing devices. Thus, the methods herein may be implemented assoftware instructions executed by a processor, suitably configuredapplication specific integrated circuits (ASIC) or field programmablegate array (FPGA) modules, or any other convenient manner as would beappreciated by those skilled in those art. Where employed, the softwareinstructions may be embodied in a non-transitory device such as a harddisk drive, CD ROM or Flash drive. The software code instructions mayalso be downloaded over the Internet.

Now referring to FIG. 2, a first force feedback mechanism is shown forproviding resistance force to movement of a joystick 200 that may beimplemented in a computer simulation controller according to logicdescribed further below. The first force feedback mechanism may includea collar 202 around the joystick 200 that is made of a permanentlymagnetic material. The mechanism may also include plural electromagnets204 (four shown in FIG. 2 spaced 90 degrees from each other) that can beenergized individually or in appropriate combinations to prove amagnetic force on the collar 202 and, hence, joystick 200. For example,all four electromagnets 204 may be energized to provide resistive forceto motion of the joystick 200 in any direction, whereas two adjacentelectromagnets may be energized to provide resistive force to motion ofthe joystick in one general direction but not in another generaldirection.

FIG. 3 illustrates a second force feedback mechanism for providingresistance force to movement of a joystick 300 that may be implementedin a computer simulation controller according to further descriptionbelow. The first force feedback mechanism may include a collar 302around the joystick 300 that is made of a permanently magnetic material.The mechanism may also include plural permanent magnets 304 (four shownin FIG. 3 spaced 90 degrees from each other) that can be individually orin appropriate combinations moved toward and away the joystick asindicated by the arrows 306 to prove a magnetic force on the collar 302and, hence, joystick 300. For example, all four magnets 304 may be movedcloser to the joystick to provide resistive force to motion of thejoystick 300 in any direction, whereas two adjacent electromagnets maybe moved closer to the joystick than the remaining two magnets toprovide resistive force to motion of the joystick in one generaldirection but not in another general direction.

In the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 4, a magnet 304 may be coupledto a rack 400 that is moved translationally by a pinion 402 driven by amotor 404 such as a stepper motor. The motor can be energized in theappropriate direction to move the magnet through the rack-and-pinionmechanism.

FIG. 5 shows yet another force feedback mechanism for providing forcefeedback when a trigger 500 is depressed, e.g., by a player of acomputer simulation to emulate shooting a weapon. The trigger 500 mayinclude a plunger 502 that can be pressed into a fluid-filled housing504, the temperature and/or pressure of which may be controlled asappropriate for the desired resistive force against the plunger 502 by aheater/cooler 506. The heater/cooler 506 may be an electric or hydraulicdevice.

Turning briefly to FIG. 11, yet another force feedback mechanism isshown in which a computer simulation controller 1100 include amanipulable control 1102 such as a joystick or trigger. A motorizedforce feedback mechanism 1104 can be coupled to the control 1102 toprovide resistive force to the control 1102 according to logic below.The motorized force feedback mechanism 1104 may be implemented by apotentially piezoelectric haptic trigger and motor that createresistance to motion of the control 1102 but that do not completelystiffen the control 1102.

In an embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the control 1102 may include a rodthe end of which terminates in a ball 1200 within the housing of thecontroller 1102. The ball may be coupled to the motor of the mechanism1104. Only a single omni-directional motor 1202 may be used, or twomotors or more per joy stick (four shown in FIG. 12) may be used toprovide resistance to joystick motion in various directions as indicatedby the arrows 1204. Or, a coupling such as the collars described abovebut not necessarily magnetic may be provided around the ball and fourmotors provided coupled to the ball to exert a force in variousdirections against motion of the ball as required by logic below.Alternatively, the ball 1200 may be immersed in a ferrite powder, andpermanent or electro-magnets used as described above in relation toFIGS. 2 and 3 to essentially excite the powder and thereby provideresistance force to motion of the joystick.

While the disclosure above relates to joysticks and triggers, it is tobe understood that present principles can apply to any control on acomputer simulation controller.

Returning to FIG. 6, example logic for using any of the force feedbackmechanisms described herein to provide resistive force to a control isshown. Simulation designers may provide force specifications forresistance depending on what is occurring in the simulation. Or, asimulation console or other computer may derive force specifications forresistance depending on what is occurring in the simulation usingmachine learning for a particular user, and/or by using other people'ssimulation play as a training set for a machine learning algorithm.

Commencing at block 600, a first signal from a computer simulation isreceived indicating an event in a simulation being played using any ofthe controllers herein with force feedback mechanisms. At block 602,responsive to the first signal, a first force is applied to amanipulable mechanism on a computer simulation controller configured tocontrol the computer simulation. This may be done by correlating thefirst signal to a particular resistive force (including direction theforce should be applied) using a lookup table.

Moving to block 604, a second signal from the computer simulation isreceived, and at block 606 in response a second, different force(including direction) is applied to the manipulable mechanism on thecomputer simulation controller.

FIGS. 7-10 provide example use cases that implement the structures andlogic described above. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a computer simulationmay be presented on a display 700 such as any of the displays describedherein. The simulation may include a road 702 along which a simulatedvehicle 703 is to drive, as indicated by the arrow 704 in FIG. 7. Inthis scenario, a signal indicating that the simulated vehicle is beingcorrectly driven down the road 702 may result in the force feedbackmechanism being actuated or controller to provide a low force feedbackto, e.g., a joystick on a controller that a player uses to drive thesimulated vehicle 703.

However, as shown by the arrow 800 in FIG. 8, should the player driveoff the road 702, the force feedback mechanism can be actuated to applya high force to resist motion of the joystick in any direction exceptmotion necessary to turn the vehicle 703 back onto the road 702. In thisway, force feedback aids the player in correctly moving the joystick bymaking it easier to move the joystick only in the “correct” direction.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate another use case in which a computersimulation on a display 900 depicts a warplane 902 flying over targets.In FIG. 9 the simulation generates a signal indicating that the warplane902 is over a target 904 of a first type, in this case, an enemy target.Responsive to the signal from the simulation, the force feedbackmechanism may be actuated to provide a first resistance to a controllertrigger manipulable to simulate dropping a weapon onto the target. Whenthe target is an “enemy” target the force feedback may be low, to easepushing the trigger.

On the other hand, when the simulation signal indicates that a target1000 in FIG. 10 is of a second type, e.g., a friendly target, the forcefeedback mechanism may be actuated to provide a second resistance to thetrigger. When the target is a friendly target the force feedback may behigh, to make it more difficult to push the trigger. In this way, forcefeedback aids the player in correctly using the trigger.

It will be appreciated that whilst present principals have beendescribed with reference to some example embodiments, these are notintended to be limiting, and that various alternative arrangements maybe used to implement the subject matter claimed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: at least processorprogrammed with instructions to: receive a first signal from a computersimulation; responsive to the first signal, apply a first force to atleast a first manipulable mechanism on a computer simulation controllerconfigured to control the computer simulation; receive a second signalfrom the computer simulation; and responsive to the second signal, applya second force to the first manipulable mechanism on the computersimulation controller, wherein the first signal is associated with asimulated presence over a first target type and the second signal isassociated with a simulated presence over a second target type, and thefirst force is greater than the second force.
 2. The device of claim 1,wherein the first and second forces are generated by a force feedbackmechanism comprising plural force generators juxtaposed with the firstmanipulable mechanism, the instructions being executable to: actuate allof the force generators to provide resistive force to motion of thefirst manipulable mechanism in a first number of directions; and actuatefewer than all of the force generators to provide resistive force tomotion of the first manipulable mechanism in a second number ofdirections less than the first number of directions.
 3. The device ofclaim 1, comprising at least one display device configured for controlby the at least one processor to present the computer simulation.
 4. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the first manipulable mechanism comprises atleast one joystick.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the firstmanipulable mechanism comprises at least one analog trigger or button.6. The device of claim 1, wherein the first signal is associated with asimulated deviation from a travel path in the computer simulation, andthe first force is greater than the second force.
 7. The device of claim5, wherein the first and second forces are generated by a plungercoupled to the trigger or button and disposed in a fluid, theinstructions being executable to establish at least one parameter ofwhich fluid for a demanded resistive force.
 8. A method, comprising:applying, using a force feedback mechanism, a first force to at least aportion of a computer simulation controller based at least in part on adetermination that a computer simulation comprises a first context; andapplying, using the force feedback mechanism, a second force to at leastthe portion of a computer simulation controller based at least in parton a determination that the computer simulation comprises a secondcontext; wherein the force feedback mechanism comprises plural forcegenerators juxtaposed with the portion of the computer simulationcontroller, and the method comprises: actuating all of the forcegenerators to provide resistive force to motion of the portion of thecomputer simulation controller in a first number of directions; andactuating fewer than all of the force generators to provide resistiveforce to motion of the portion of the computer simulation controller ina second number of directions less than the first number of directions.9. The method of claim 8, wherein the second force is zero and the firstforce is greater than zero.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the forcefeedback mechanism comprises at least one magnet.
 11. The method ofclaim 8, wherein the force feedback mechanism comprises at least onemotor.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein the force feedback mechanismcomprises at least one fluid.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein theportion of the computer simulation controller comprises a joystick. 14.The method of claim 8, wherein the portion of the computer simulationcontroller comprises a trigger or a button.
 15. The method of claim 8,wherein the first context is associated with a simulated deviation of aland vehicle from a travel path along a road in the computer simulation,and the first force is greater than the second force.
 16. A method,comprising: applying, using a force feedback mechanism, a first force toat least a portion of a computer simulation controller based at least inpart on a determination that a computer simulation comprises a firstcontext; and applying, using the force feedback mechanism, a secondforce to at least the portion of a computer simulation controller basedat least in part on a determination that the computer simulationcomprises a second context; wherein the first context is associated witha simulated presence over a first target type and the second context isassociated with a simulated presence over a second target type, and thefirst force is greater than the second force.
 17. A system comprising:at least one computer simulation controller; at least one computersimulation console configured to present at least one computersimulation responsive to signals from the computer simulationcontroller; at least one force feedback mechanism configured to providea first force on at least a portion of the computer simulationcontroller responsive to a first context of the computer simulation anda second force on the portion of the computer simulation controllerresponsive to a second context of the computer simulation; and at leastone processor configured to execute instructions, wherein the forcefeedback mechanism comprises plural force generators juxtaposed with theportion of the computer simulation controller, the instructions beingexecutable to: actuate all of the force generators to provide resistiveforce to motion of the portion of the computer simulation controller ina first number of directions; and actuate fewer than all of the forcegenerators to provide resistive force to motion of the portion of thecomputer simulation controller in a second number of directions lessthan the first number of directions.
 18. The system of claim 17, whereinthe first context is associated with a simulated deviation from a travelpath in the computer simulation, and the first force is greater than thesecond force.
 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the first context isassociated with a simulated presence over a first target type and thesecond context is associated with a simulated presence over a secondtarget type, and the first force is greater than the second force. 20.The system of claim 17, wherein the portion of the computer simulationcontroller comprises a joystick or a trigger or a button.